Hello WISH Team!
My race today was a hot one; 80 degrees and HUUUUMID! I have never drank so much water prior to race, and I still had to grab all the water I could at each station along the course.
Some race background: the Beach to Beacon was founded and is hosted by Maine native and 1984 Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson. Joan can attract quite a field; many of the world's elite participate: top runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ukraine. Top American road racer Meb Keflezighi, 2004 Olympic Marathon Silver Medalist was here this year. All of them move aside amicably as I take my rightful place alongside them at the start.
It's a neat race; 46 states and 20 countries were represented among the 5,500 runners. The race starts near a beach in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and finishes at the Portland Head Light lighthouse. (Of course, to get to the lighthouse you are pretty much going uphill from mile 4 to the finish.)
I finished in 55:09 (by my watch). My splits were: (1) 8:30; (2) 8:51; (3) 8:45; (4) 8:56; (5) 9:00; (6) 9:28. I am happy with my time and this was my first race since knee surgery 5 months ago.
Most importantly: this was my first race as a WISH Team member. And I have to tell you all, I really and truly felt a
presence as I ran today. The humidity really slammed me after 3 miles; I wanted to stop and walk, but I kept thinking of the well-wishes I received on this board and it kept me going! I absolutely know I will need the support of our WISH Team come next January at Walt Disney World. During my run today I kept thinking of how great it will be to meet many of you, offer my fullest support, and receive support in return next January!
Take Care All!
Go! WISH TEAM Go!
